What is the general market price of snapping turtles per jin?

The snapping turtle is the oldest surviving reptile and one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. Due to human hunting and loss of habitat, it has been listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Later, because of its high ornamental value and strong adaptability, it became deeply favored by domestic turtle enthusiasts. Let us now take a look at the price and farming value of snapping turtles!

The market price of snapping turtles

Different species of snapping turtles naturally have different prices. The purebred Florida snapping turtle is the most expensive breed among snapping turtles. This year, hatchlings opened at around 400 yuan each, and have now risen to around 600-800 yuan each.

The price of hybrid Florida snapping turtles is relatively cheaper at 150-350 yuan each, large yellow turtles remain at around 300 yuan, and North American yellow-shelled turtles are also 100-130 yuan each.

The price of large snapping turtles (over 7 jin) is 35-40 yuan per jin. This price is relatively reasonable, easy for consumers to accept, and relatively favorable for promoting the consumption of snapping turtle meat.

How long do snapping turtles live?

1. Small snapping turtles: generally refers to the Chelydra serpentina, which under artificial rearing with proper care can live about 45 to 50 years, but in the wild can only reach about 15 to 30 years!

2. Large snapping turtles: generally refers to the Macrochelys temminckii, whose lifespan can reach more than 60 years.

The farming value of snapping turtles

1. Economic value

Snapping turtles have been introduced into China and successfully bred in captivity. It is world-famous for its strong body and abundant meat, so it is also called the meat turtle. It is a rare premium species among turtles, with characteristics such as a high meat yield, rich nutrition, fast growth, and high economic value. Its meat yield ranks first among turtles, and the meat is delicate, fragrant, crisp, delicious, and without any off-odor.

2. Medicinal value

Its tonifying effect is very obvious. It can unblock the Ren meridian and support yang, nourish yin and blood, and benefit essence and qi. It has marked effects on essence and blood deficiency after long illness, fatigue and weakness, prolonged paralysis and weakness, and consumptive cough. It is also particularly suitable for postpartum replenishment and for people with anemia, insomnia, and mental decline. The turtle plastron has a detumescence effect and is suitable for yin deficiency and blood deficiency constitution caused by cancerous tumors. The turtle head also has certain medicinal value.

3. Ornamental value

Snapping turtles have very high ornamental value. Judging from the ordinary hatchlings sold on the market, the Florida snapping turtle currently has the highest price, followed by the alligator snapping turtle, the hybrid Florida snapping turtle, and the North American snapping turtle. Hatchlings from Central America and South America are even more expensive because few are introduced, while the price of mutated hatchlings remains persistently high because of their beautiful appearance and relatively small numbers. Home-kept individuals, because of their excellent appearance and the careful care of their keepers, can command very considerable prices. It cannot be said that they are comparable to those hormone-fed turtles from farms. Turtles from farms are mostly sent to restaurants for people to eat, and cannot be lumped together with home-kept individuals as pets.